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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Kansas Dugout Quilt in Progress(these are still only blocks that are yet to be joined together)

The Kansas Dugout Block - a traditional patchwork block - is a personal favorite. This patchwork looks similar to that created by Lozenge blocks or even Snowball blocks, however there are no triangles involved in the center of the block nor to join the blocks together. Only squares. And a lot of Y-seams (inset seams).

Inset seams strike fear in the heart of some sewists/quilters, but truly there is no need. This block in particular is not difficult to piece and with the help of accurate templates it is very do-able indeed. My first Kansas Dugout Quiltwas one of my early sewing projects when my sewing experience was very limited, but a can do attitude ensured a successful completion; it is one of the few quilts that I have held on to and is in use often.

This time around I have redrafted and reduced the size of the block for smaller patchwork. I will be making these templates available as a download that may be printed in a number of block sizes. The templates are useful to accurately cut the fabric pieces which will go a long way toward making this block fit together without any undue stress.

In addition to making the templates available I will also be writing a comprehensive Kansas Dugout Block Tutorial blog post with step by step instructions and photos, as well as useful tips. The plan is for both the tutorial and the templates to be ready by the end of this week. Let's see how that goes.

She mentions the alternatives in the post. I think it is more about the aesthetics - this block has no seams in the white squares. I personally avoid y-seams at all costs but I can see the appeal in the final product pieced this way.

Absolutely - only to avoid those seams that would otherwise run through the squares that join the blocks. This is more relevant when using a printed fabric - like I have done for several of the blocks - but it also means you're adding less bulk to your block. This block is great for learning how to work those Y-seams which are not as difficult as they appear. I hope you'll give it a try, but as always make and do what you enjoy most. Happy stitching! Rita

I am also looking forward to your tutorial for this. I have some light or low volume prints that I want to use along with some fabulous brights and doing it this way won't chop up the light print in the centre squares. Thank you for sharing.

Looking forward to the tutorial. We should never avoid things out of fear or intimidation, so even though there are other construction methods, the y seam shouldn't hold folks back. They free you to deign your own patterns. Xx

the dreaded Y seam!! have just done a hexagon block with Y seams and must admit it worked better than I ever dreamed it could. All the fabrics I see on blogs and never any I have got until today, the yellow with glasses on I have too

I love the Kansas Dugout block but have always been intimidated by all the Y seams. I live in Kansas and see the real deal dugouts left from the pioneers that settled the western part of Kansas, so this block is heritage for me. Thanks for putting together the tutorial. I'll be watching for it so I can finally make my own Kansas dugout!

Rita, you amaze me with your level of productivity and beautiful, beautiful work! Every time I turn around, you have posted another quilt top or finish to Instagram and I am blown away.You inspire me to manage my time well so that I can get into my studio more often and sew too!Keep up your great work!

Message to Anita Ash - unfortunately you do not provide an email address to allow me to reply to your unfriendly comments. I have deleted all of your negative comments.

Your claim regarding my earnings from giveaway posts is completely false. I do not earn money per comment from any giveaway blog post. In fact giveaways are a complimentary service and I receive NO MONEY AT ALL from a giveaway blog post. NONE at all. Not from comments, not from clicks, nor do I earn commissions from sales.

You couldn't be any more wrong.

If you have any further concerns please email me redpepperquilts at gmail dot com